Topic: CB650 cafe

[scunny]

the worlds slowest bike restoration has started to rumble slowly forward, frame has been powder coated and now I can start bolting things back together(if I can remember how it came apart)
stay tuned to this station, it will be like watching grass grow 

[paulages]

hey scunny, where'd you get the tank?

[scunny]

Paulages, I got the tank off a friend who collects interesting bike stuff. Not sure of it's manufacture, it has 2 petcocks, it was meant have been on a Honda race bike in the early 70's

[scunny]

can I state now that fibreglass is a pain 

does anybody have a pic or notes on the connector locations in the headlight shell.
have tried a few ways but it's real tight in there ?

[scunny]

Paulages, my feeble attempts at fibreglassing are all your fault. 
I've finally knocked the new garage into some sort of working area and can see my bench again, do I revisit the engine reco or go for the seat. Yes concerned citizens, I got stuck into fibreglass again.
now since the hardener has run out I'm off to pub and may be gone some time

[paulages]

i definitely learned some things about fiberglass the hard way..    scunny--i think you need a different hardener for cold temperatures, not more of it. the fast hardener will still be pretty slow in cold temps. still, when i made my seatpan, it was in the 30's-40's (cold for portland) and it would take 24 hrs. generally for me to be able to sand it. is your mold a plug, or are you just glassing over it and finishing like i did? i think making a plug is a great idea, but it is one extra step.

i need to get back at my glass tank project (the mold is almost ready, but it's been over a month since i've worked on it...a new K3 has taken the stand for now). my plan is to glass over the foam with one layer of glass cloth, then remove the foam and back it with several layers of chop mat, finishing the surface with body filler. by the way, don't use resin filler. it's hard as steel, and consequently really hard to sand.

[pae]

can I state now that fibreglass is a pain 

does anybody have a pic or notes on the connector locations in the headlight shell.
have tried a few ways but it's real tight in there ?

I new it'd come in handy. Here's one to be getting on with...

Have a look at my webpage (see sig) and scroll down to the notes on 11th November to see a series of pics as each connector was dismantled. If you need any other pics just shout as my 650 is in bits at the moment.

Love the project, I'm thinking of 'semi-cafe' on mine, not out and out cafe but the sort of period mods that might have been done, without going too far away from stock.

regards, Phil

[scunny]

Paulages, it is now warm enough for the glass to go off, it is the matching of the cowl to the rear light that I'm struggling with at the moment, glass...sand...glass...sand ...etc
Phil, thanks for the pics, exactly what I needed. Your Z is the same as mine and in the same condition.
I wish my PO had used copper grease, or even a correct fitting socket on some of the bolts.

[scunny]

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, thru a haze of fibreglass dust. luckily it is a cracker of a day here so all the messy bits look like snow on the lawn.
will post pics shortly so everyone can clap or laugh as much as they like.

[scunny]

finally got the seat finished, it came out longer than I wanted but had to clear the rear tyre with the number plate
 

[bill440cars]

           Looking good there. That gas tank is really a nice touch. I'm really liking that seat too. Keep up the good work and keep us posted.

                                                  Later on, Bill

[scunny]

thanks for the thumbs up on the tail light mounting, that is what took me the longest to do.
you wouldn't believe the hassles I had to have a snug fit, bolt on and keep the contours of the light.

[pae]

Top work, love it. Tank is great and that seat is just right. Very nice.

Phil

[scunny]

#$%*e, it's been a while since I've had a chance to do any work on the bike.
cases stripped and painted, covers polished, replaced the liners in the jugs and have had the guides checked and the seats reground to accept my new valves.
Is there a prize for doing the slowest rebuild ?

[Soos]

It's not the length of the trip, it's the memories along the way you remember!!

Awesome.... where on earth did you find that tank???


l8r